Regional Heart Attack Program

Recognized nationally for outcomes in heart attack care including providing lifesaving angioplasty up to 25 minutes sooner than the national standard. In fact, Baystate is in the top 10% of hospital’s nationwide in this critical statistic.

What is a Heart Attack?

A heart attack (Myocardial Infarction) occurs when one or more of the arteries supplying your heart with oxygen-rich blood become blocked. Over time, a coronary artery can become narrowed from the buildup (plaques) of cholesterol. During a heart attack, one of these plaques can rupture and a blood clot forms on the site of the rupture. If the clot is large enough, it can block the flow of blood through the artery. When your coronary arteries have narrowed due to atherosclerosis, the condition is known as coronary artery disease. Coronary artery disease is the major underlying cause of heart attacks.

Angioplasty and Stenting: In the cardiac catheterization laboratory, you will have an angiogram, a test in which a dye is injected into a blood vessel to determine if it is blocked. If it is, you may then be treated with angioplasty. During an angioplasty, the doctor makes a small puncture hole into one or more of your blood vessels (usually in the groin area). A small wire with a balloon on the end is sent up into a blocked artery in your heart. The doctor inflates the balloon to push the plaque (fatty deposits) against the artery wall. This makes more room for blood to flow. If necessary, a stent is then placed in the artery to maintain blood flow. A stent is a metal, mesh tube that is placed in the artery to help it stay open after angioplasty.

Surgery

Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: This surgery is also known as CABG, heart bypass surgery, or open-heart surgery. A CABG can improve blood flow to the heart by using an artery or vein from your chestwall, arm, or leg. These vessels then send blood around the blocked artery. This surgery may also decrease your risk of having a heart attack in the future.